Light Up Wakefield

Calendar Icon Fri 13 Nov 2026 - Sat 14 Nov 2026
Clock 17:00 - 21:00
Map Pin Wakefield City Centre
Tag Free

Free event Family friendly

Art Christmas Families Festival Outdoor

About

Light Up Wakefield returns this winter, transforming the city into a spectacular celebration of light, creativity and nature!


From Friday 13 – Saturday 14 November, visitors can explore light installations across Wakefield city centre, from interactive artworks and striking projections to awe inspiring illuminated experiences. 


On Friday 13 November, visitors can enjoy the festive Light Switch-On taking place at 5:30pm in the Cathedral Precinct, alongside live entertainment from local performers on the main stage compered by Rhubarb Radio. The Light Switch-On officially begins this year’s nature-themed light art trail, featuring 6 fantastic installations across the city centre.


On Saturday 14 November, visitors can enjoy ‘Nature’s Return’ – a breathtaking illuminated parade celebrating the return of wildlife to Wakefield’s rivers, meadows, moors and gardens. Led by a towering Mother Nature figure, glowing creatures emerge from the darkness, creating a moving tribute to ecological recovery and the beauty of the natural world. 


Throughout the weekend WX Wakefield Exchange will be the official Light Up Event Hub where visitors can pick up their trail maps, enjoy some street food and enjoy one of the first installations on the trail.


With free family friendly activities, spectacular artworks and magical moments around every corner, Light Up Wakefield promises an unforgettable weekend that will see the city shine brighter than ever before. 



Light Up Wakefield is organised by Wakefield Council


Note: Please note vendors selling light up balloons and other toys during Light Up Wakefield are not connected with the festival and are not providing official Light Up Wakefield products.


Access facilities

  • Accessible Car Parking
  • Accessible Toilet
  • Assistance Dogs Welcome
  • Audio Described
  • Baby Changing Facilities
  • Changing Places Facility
  • Step Free Access
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Event sessions

Light Up Wakefield

13th November 2026
17:00 - 21:00
14th November 2026
17:00 - 21:00

Venue Details

Find us at

Wakefield City, Wakefield, WF11HG

Open in Google Maps Visit website

Light Up Wakefield is Back!

Event Information

Travel Information

Car Parking

There are numerous off-street and on-street car parking spaces in Wakefield City Centre.

Find a full list with details here.

There is also parking available at Trinity Walk and The Riding Shopping Centre.

Bus

Wakefield Bus Station 

It is an approximately 2 minute walk from Wakefield Bus Station to WX Wakefield.

You can find more information about bus services to Wakefield on the Arriva website here.

Train

Wakefield Westgate Station

It is an approximately 11 minute walk from Wakefield Westgate Train Station to WX Wakefield.

You can find station details here.

Wakefield Kirkgate Station

It is an approximately 17 minute walk from Wakefield Kirkgate Train Station to WX Wakefield.

You can find station details here.

Accessibility Information

The Events Team at Wakefield Council are passionate about providing an enjoyable experience that is accessible to all.  

There will be staff, security, first aiders and contractors available to offer assistance throughout the event.

You can find them in Hi-Vis or Wakefield Council Uniform, look for ‘EVENT STAFF’ on their backs. 

Accessible Parking

The closest and most convenient accessible parking to WX Wakefield is Trinity Walk Shopping Centre or The Ridings Shopping Centre. 

Trinity Walk (WF1 1QQ) – 1,000 spaces with disabled parking located on the ground floor outside Sainsburys.  

The Ridings Shopping Centre (WF1 1DS) – They have in total over 1,000 spaces, including 43 blue badge holder spaces and 22 family parking bays all with direct access into the centre.

Accessible Toilets

There will be an accessible port-aloo available in Wakefield City Centre.

There are also accessible toilets within WX Wakefield and The Ridings Shopping Centre.

Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome to all areas of the event including WX Wakefield.

Changing Places

There are 2 Changing Places located in Wakefield at WX Wakefield and Trinity Walk Shopping Centre.

 

Site Description

WX Wakefield

WX Wakefield has full step-free access from their entrances and a full accessible lift on the ground floor by the main bar.

They also have Changing Places Toilet and Baby Changing Facilities.

Cathedral Precinct

The precinct is mainly flat and the area can be easily navigated around without having to cross many steps and inclines.

Medical Facilities

Should you need any form of medical attention please inform a member of staff or security onsite where they can show you where the medical tent is located or request for a medic to come to you.

We do not have any secure storage for medicines on site. 

Further Questions

We are continually updating event information for Light Up Wakefield so please keep checking back on this page.

If you do have any queries or feel that there is anything we can improve on, we are open to suggestions!

You can contact the team at festivals@wakefield.gov.uk